League slaps Adams with hefty fine

The NFL has fined Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams $50,000 for shoving New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck in the back, according to several reports.

Adams’ agent told the Dallas Morning News the fine will be appealed.

Since the start of the season, Adams has been fined $75,000 by the league.

The good news for the Cowboys is that Adams dodged a suspension. With the Chargers (9-3) coming to Arlington this weekend, Dallas couldn’t afford to lose the guy who protects Tony Romo’s blindside.

Adams hit on Tuck as the first half ended in Sunday’s 31-24 loss to the Giants knocked Tuck to the ground and sparked a melee near the New York bench.

Tuck called Adams a “dirtbag” and a “coward.” The NFL fined Adams $12,500 for tripping Tuck and attempting to trip Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora during the Week 2 meeting between the teams.

The league also fined Adams $5,000 for unnecessary roughness against Tampa Bay in the season opener and $7,500 for kicking Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.

With the Cowboys hitting their toughest stretch of the season – one that will decide their playoff fate – Adams needs to show some restraint. It would help matters if Wade Phillips issued some harsh words in Adams’ direction during today’s press briefing, but the odds of that happening are slim given Phillips’ habit of protecting his players.